Christian Living

The Flags of Separation

by paul hoffmaster
11/07/21
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Today, there are Bible Schools, Seminaries, Colleges, and Pastoral Leadership Institutes that are dedicated to preparing individuals to carry the Banner of Truth.  What is disconcerting is that many of these “schools” train individuals according to their Scriptural understanding.  What they produce are extensions of their Biblical platforms.  Their doctrines are presented with persuasive rhetoric that is readily adopted by their students.  Today, it is very difficult to present a unifying message outside of Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection, and ascension.  The conflicting doctrines have made the churches competitive.  The Saturday newspapers usually have a section where churches offer times of their services so people will have the opportunity to experience their “unique” church.  When will we learn that it is not through programs and “live” stage performances that churches grow!  It is not “Dr. Phil” from the “stage” on how to get along with your fellow man but by the unfiltered, unbiased, unchangeable Word of God!  When churches get back to the basics, people will stream into their buildings to hear from the Living God and then flow out into their communities as examples of the living Word! 

Jesus realized that unless Believers stayed unified with His message they would face some very difficult and challenging times.  In one of His last prayers, He prayed that Believers “…may be one; as thou, Father, art in me and I in thee…” (John 17:21a)  If the world was going to understand God’s love for them, the Christians needed to present the same message.  One of the reasons the world is laughing at the Church is because the churches are offering confused messaging.  If churches are not going to take their calling seriously, how do we expect the world to take us seriously?  

Many church board meetings are simply groups of 2 x 4’s trying to think of ways to build up their church or stop the exodus.  Local churches need to pray for humility and seek the face of God.  They need to repent of their self-serving ways and ask God what He would have them do.  

The Apostle Paul’s message to the divided church at Corinth can also apply to churches today.  He stated, “…that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you.” (I Corinthians 1:1a)  Churches must put their differences aside and, through their unity that was made possible through Jesus, reach out and offer Him as the Life Savior to those who are drowning in sin.

Pastors need to submit not only to the Lord but to their co-pastors in the Faith.  Accountability to one another is a safety valve to keep pastors from going off on “spiritual” tangents that do not line up with God’s Word.  One of the dangers in pastoral leadership is the “lone ranger” syndrome.  Unchecked ministers can be an asset to Satan’s kingdom.  Satan fears the unification of the Church.  It is time the flags of separation come down and the banner of God’s Grace waves from every building!